A Graceful Farewell: CBS Stars Pay Tribute to Jennifer Leak, Beloved Actress of Daytime Television
Hollywood mourns the loss of a gentle star whose talent, spirit, and compassion left a lasting imprint on screens—and in hearts.
Jennifer Leak, the cherished actress best known for her roles in The Young and the Restless and the classic family film Yours, Mine and Ours, passed away peacefully on March 18, 2024, at her home in Jupiter, Florida. She was 76. Her passing follows a courageous seven-year battle with progressive supranuclear palsy, a rare and debilitating neurological disorder that slowly strips away movement, balance, and speech, but never dimmed her indomitable spirit.
Born in Cardiff, Wales, on September 28, 1947, Jennifer’s life was marked by adventure from the start. Her childhood spanned across England, Canada, and Israel, experiences that enriched her worldview and sparked the creative flame that would define her life. At just 17, she began her acting journey in the Canadian series Wojeck, paving the way for what would become a rich and diverse career.
Her breakthrough came in 1968 when she starred as Colleen North, the teenage daughter of Lucille Ball, in the hit film Yours, Mine and Ours. It was on that set where she met actor Tim Matheson, who would become her first husband. Though their marriage ended in 1971, their bond and respect for each other endured.
Throughout the 1970s and ’80s, Jennifer graced American television screens with appearances in The Mary Tyler Moore Show, Hawaii Five-O, Nero Wolfe, and more. Yet it was her performances in daytime dramas that cemented her status as a fan favorite. From 1974 to 1977, she portrayed Gwen Sherman on The Young and the Restless, earning praise for her emotional depth and on-screen authenticity. Later, she joined Another World as Olive Randolph, again captivating audiences with her commanding presence.
Jennifer once reflected on her soap opera years as the most rewarding of her career. “The connection with the fans, the ability to grow with a character over time—it was an extraordinary gift,” she said in a past interview.
In 1977, Jennifer married the love of her life, James Doria, with whom she shared a 47-year-long partnership rooted in love, laughter, and mutual respect. After stepping away from acting in the mid-1980s, she embarked on a second career as a real estate agent in East Hampton, New York, where her warmth, elegance, and integrity continued to shine.
Despite facing a devastating diagnosis, Jennifer never ceased to give back. She volunteered for clinical research at the Mayo Clinic and, in a final act of generosity, arranged to donate her brain tissue to science in hopes of helping others in the future.
As news of her passing broke, tributes poured in from across the entertainment world. Former husband Tim Matheson called her “strong, lovely, and incredibly talented,” expressing deep condolences to James and those closest to her. Fans flooded social media with touching memories of Jennifer—not just for the roles she played, but for the kindness and grace she exuded both on and off screen.
Jennifer Leak is survived by her husband James Doria and her brother Kenneth Leak, along with countless friends and admirers. Her departure marks the end of an era, but her legacy will live on through every scene she graced, every soul she touched, and every life made brighter by her presence.
In saying goodbye, the world of daytime television remembers a woman who brought light, strength, and elegance to every chapter of her life.
Jennifer Leak
1947–2024
A life well-lived. A spirit never forgotten.
